Authorities intercepted about ₱11.2 million worth of alleged illicit cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Lupon, Davao Oriental, on June 25.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the operation was conducted in Barangay Marayag by personnel of the Lupon Municipal Police Station and the 2nd Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company, based on information from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Two Filipino men, aged 51 and 20, were apprehended after police stopped separate vehicles allegedly carrying the contraband.
Authorities recovered around 400 master cases of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱11.2 million.
The seized items were placed under police custody for proper disposition, while charges are being prepared against the suspects in coordination with concerned agencies.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for the seizure, saying the campaign against smuggling and illicit trade would continue.
“Hindi natin hahayaang makalusot ang mga iligal na produkto na nakaaapekto sa ating ekonomiya at sa kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon at pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba pang ahensya upang mapigilan ang ganitong mga gawain,” Nartatez said.
“This successful operation reflects our commitment to proactive policing and intelligence-driven law enforcement. We will remain steadfast in enforcing the law with professionalism, fairness, and respect for due process,” he added.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts against smuggling and other illegal trade activities that affect government revenues and legitimate businesses.